To take school keyworker place

[Fudgewhizz]

DD's school has said they can't accommodate all the year groups the government recommends due to space issues and it's therefore highly unlikely DD will be back before the summer. DH is technically a key worker but can work mostly from home so we haven't used a place. I am due an ELCS next week and on mat leave from this weekend.

I am so, so worried about recovering from surgery and looking after two kids on my own on the days DH has to go into work. We technically qualify for a keyworker place at school, I think DD would benefit, but I absolutely don't want to take up a place if it's not absolutely necessary. I can't work out if it would be reasonable or not. Normally GPs would help but obviously can't at the moment - one in very high risk group and the other has my grandma living with them who is also very high risk.

Please help me work out whether it's reasonable to ask for a place! We have about four hours to decide...

It won't hurt to ask, it's an entirely reasonable request.

Good luck with getting her a place and your baby's arrival!

It is reasonable to ask under the circumstances - I have a keyworker place for all our children which is used on the days both I and DH are at work. I have had to ask if they might accommodate another day due to needing to attend a funeral although I don't yet know when it is. The school have assured me that it is fine. They are also letting me add on days when my rota changes.

However, how old is your DD? don't underestimate the effort it will take to get newborn and DD ready for the school run, be there at the specified time and collect at the specified time. DD might also feel she is being pushed out because of newborn arriving - even though I know this is not what you are intending. It might not be as bad as you think if you are all at home and can take things at your own pace as opposed to having to stick to certain timings for your DD.

NB: I have had a section, although was in hospital nearly 2 weeks after. The recovery was not as bad as I feared as long as I kept on top of pain relief.

Ask the school...I know some are saying they are 'full' but others are able to accommodate more students, no problem...totally reasonable to explain that you need the space...

His employers might have not minded staff doing school runs before, but I would not assume this will still be the case. Even with the schools opening, many will still be off.

If he cannot get back and she needs to come home early. You might not have the energy or your still in pain. Baby needs a feed and won’t wait etc.

At my dss and dds school.you wouldn't get a keyworker place as you are home and dh is home some days. Due to demand they.are only taking in children where both parents are keyworkers and at work. They ask for proof from your employers to confirm you are at work. Good luck.with the new arrival

Yes you absolutely should take the place, you qualify. Under Government rules, its not one parent that needs to be a key worker.
Our school only allocated places a week before.

the government changed advice from key worker kids stay home if possible to all key worker kids encouraged in and key worker kids prioritised over reception, y1 etc.

so you're totally eligible even without the cs. definitely go for it.

I think it’s totally reasonable, however I thought both parents had to be key workers to qualify for a place?

I'm not sure I would. I'd be worried about her catching the virus and giving it to you or the baby. It's okay saying your husband can do pick ups ups etc but what if your daughter gets sick at school (not necessarily with coronavirus) and needs, picking up early? Will he be okay to do that?
I understand being worried about looking after both children while recovering but it is doable ( I did it with my children) and was nowhere near as bad as I feared.

Thanks everyone - has helped hearing opinions. I was worried everyone would tell me I'm being totally unreasonable and jump on me!